Kebbi Committee Submits Report on Primary School Teachers’ Salary Structure to Governor Idris

By Abdullahi Tukur

The Kebbi State Government committee established to review the salary structure of primary school teachers and develop a framework for implementing the minimum wage has submitted its report to Governor Nasir Idris.

The committee presented its report to the governor at the Government House in Birnin Kebbi, outlining recommendations aimed at improving salary administration, personnel records and working conditions for primary school teachers across the state.

Committee Identifies More Than 29,000 Teachers

Presenting the report, the chairman of the committee, Professor Malami Shehu, said the exercise identified more than 29,000 primary school teachers across Kebbi State.

He recommended a comprehensive personnel audit and biometric verification exercise to establish an accurate database of teachers and identify possible ghost workers within the system.

Shehu said the exercise would also provide reliable records for the promotion of teachers and the replacement of staff who have retired, resigned or transferred from the service.

Committee Identifies Gaps in Salary Implementation

According to Shehu, previous administrations had failed to properly implement some approved minimum wage structures in the payroll of primary school teachers.

He said the situation created disparities between the salary structure of primary school teachers and that of their counterparts in secondary schools.

The committee also recommended the introduction of responsibility allowances for head teachers and supervisors.

Shehu called for stronger coordination between local governments and Local Education Authorities to ensure the development of a standard and reliable database for education personnel.

He further recommended quarterly inter-ministerial meetings to review salary administration and other issues affecting primary education in the state.

The recommendations come amid broader concerns over workers’ earnings and the rising cost of living, with labour unions continuing to call for improved salaries across Nigeria. Labour unions have also continued to push for higher wages as workers grapple with economic pressures.

Governor Idris to Study Report

Responding, Governor Nasir Idris said he would carefully study the report before presenting its recommendations to the State Executive Council for deliberation and necessary action.

Governor Idris commended the committee members for completing their assignment and submitting their recommendations to the government.

The governor expressed concern over the low take-home pay of some primary school teachers despite the implementation of the ₦75,000 minimum wage in the state.

He said his administration had increased the monthly salary allocation for teachers from about ₦586 million when he assumed office to more than ₦1.2 billion.

Governor Idris said the government remained concerned about the welfare of civil servants and expected improved earnings to help workers cope with the prevailing economic challenges.

NLC, NUT, NULGE Make Further Observations

Representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) also made separate contributions on the findings and recommendations contained in the report.

Their observations are expected to form part of the government’s consideration as it reviews the salary structure and minimum wage implementation for primary school teachers.

The committee’s report will now be considered by the Kebbi State Executive Council before the government takes further decisions on its recommendations.